(Rick Koster is on medical leave following knee surgery but filed this blog from the couch.)

I came to the Day 15 years ago with no knowledge whatsoever of the local music scene. From the word go, the two names I heard over and over were the Reducers and Karl Kelly. It didn't take long to figure out why.

Karl was a professional in every sense, whether recording his own material, playing a school prom or headlining a festival. He was a magnificent singer and front man who lived for music and the joy it brought.

Musicians like that are of a rare tribe who exult in song, brother- and sisterhood, and the love of people for their best possibilities.